The BA (Hons) Design (Interior Textiles and Surface Design) course is for those who have a passion for transforming and improving the spaces we live and work in. You will use a wide range of textile and surface design processes to build a portfolio of innovative contemporary design. Many of our projects have industry connections and you will work on briefs which teach you sales and business skills as well as sustainable and ethical thinking. This combined award is gained by combining modules from BA (Hons) Interior Textiles and BA (Hons) Surface Design.
A unique feature is the diagnostic first year, during which you can choose to experiment with interior textiles and surface design techniques as well as consider how textiles are used in fashion. You can choose to mix and match modules before committing to a named degree programme for your second and third years. This is a good option if you are unsure of the direction you want to take your creativity and design ideas.
You will benefit from a range of visiting speakers from companies which have included including Dalsouple UK Ltd, Designers Guild, Ian Logan Design Company, Janet Stoyel, Guild of Devon Craftsmen, Axminster Carpets, Sharon Marston Design, Loren Morairty and Tracy Kendall
During this course you will: • Experiment with a range of production skills such as digital imaging, silk-screen and printmaking as well as develop print and digital design skill and the practical techniques of drawing and multimedia. • Be introduced to a range of surface pattern applications for interiors, decorative giftware and product areas which naturally link the disciplines of textiles, graphics and product design • Design, construct, embellish and manipulate fabric and other materials such as metal, wire, glass, paper and plastics in order to create your own unique designs. • Have the opportunity to explore and examine the application and function of surface designs and textiles in a contemporary market and understand how this affects design decisions. • Create and apply imagery to surfaces in environments as diverse as exterior paving, domestic kitchens and surfboards and develop the skills to bring alive both hard and soft surfaces in 2D and 3D using new and smart materials. • Develop your business and professional practice skills by working on live and site specific briefs set by industry and completing a period of work experience. • Be encouraged to enter competitions including those sponsored by the Royal Society for the Arts and the Chartered Society of Designers. • Have your own work and display space in spacious, well-equipped studios. • Be able to access our digital workshop which includes equipment for laser cutting, embroidery and fabric printing as well as the excellent textiles print room and sewing room facilities. • Complete a visual culture module that will underpin your studio work. • Focus on creating your own personal design statement in your final year which will culminate in your collection being shown at the Somerset College Degree Show and the opportunity of being exhibited in London at New Designers - a well established launch pad for many designers' careers.
To download the course leaflet click here.
We invite all our applicants to an interview with their portfolio of work. This provides you with a valuable opportunity to express your personal skills and qualities. We are looking for you to demonstrate the following personal qualities, although all will be further developed throughout your learning:
• Practical interest in textiles including good basic practical and conceptual skills. • Studio, group and team work skills possibly gained through school/college projects or part-time employment. • Independent learning skills. • Individuality and creativity. • Written and oral communication skills as you will be required to attend lectures, seminars and tutorials; write essays and a thesis and give oral presentations.
Most of your time will be spent in the studios and workshops, although your practical work will be complemented by a lecture programme in Visual Culture during your first 2 years. Assessment is 100% coursework (no exams) and 30% of the marks are awarded in year 2, 70% of the marks are awarded in year 3 where your final Degree Show exhibition forms an essential part of assessment.
The course is located in spacious, well-equipped design studios next to a large sewing workshop containing a good selection of both standard and specialist machinery and CAD/CAM facilities. Each student has their own workspace comprising a work surface and a display area
A well-established advisory panel of successful and respected individuals from the interiors industry work with us to ensure that our course develops in line with this fast-moving and ever-changing sector. Our graduates have found exciting careers in textile design; interior design; decorative product design; style forecasting and design management. They have also been asked to produce commissions for public and private interiors and exhibited in galleries throughout the UK. Alternatively you can progress to postgraduate study
Foundation Diploma Art and Design (Pass) or National Diploma Art and Design (MPP) or A Levels including Art or an art-based subject (min 160 points including 80 points at A2 level) or AVCE Double Award Arts and Design (min grade C) or Advanced New Diploma (120 points minimum) or Access Certificate Arts and Design.
We also require students to have GCSE English at grade C (or equivalent).
Students whose first language is not English will be required to attain IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 6 with a score of 5 or more in the writing test.
Mature students without formal entry requirements are welcome to apply.
Interviews: Will last approximately 25 minutes. Normally there are two interviewers. This is a valuable opportunity for you to show and discuss your work and demonstrate your personal skills.
Portfolio: We expect to see a maximum of 45 pieces of work, including sketchbooks and slides or photographs of 3D work.
£3225 per year (for 2009/10)
Fees for 2010/11 will be confirmed in March 2010
Tel: 01823 366 331; Email: enquiries@somerset.ac.uk